Carnival of Personal Finance #211: Burn Notice Edition

Welcome to the 211th Carnival of Personal Finance! this week’s theme is based on a new favorite show I’ve been catching up on: Burn Notice. 

If you’re not familiar with the premise, the main character, Micheal Westen, has been let go as a spy is trying to figure out why. He’s in Miami working with his ex-girlfriend, old buddy, and his mom on small cases to keep afloat.

 

Editor’s Choice

As with many people, Michael doees not have endless resources in terms of cash, but he has a quick mind and is able to adapt. Handling your personal finances often means finding ways to make each dollar count. 

• Debt Free Adventure has some wonderful tips with Identify & Overcome Money Anxiety & Stress in Relationships.
• Good Financial Cents shows you How To Save Money On Your Property Tax. 
• FiscalGeek goes into detail with 12 Ways to Fail Your Job Interview. Learn to avoid these tactics and protect your career. 
• Tough Money Love has a wake up call for those renters thinking about owning a home. The Other Costs of Home Ownership has some great information.
•  Free From Broke discusses financial infidelities and its consequences on ”Do you keep money secrets from your spouse? 

 

Banking and Savings

Protecting your finances often means be savvy with banks and your savings. You want to get great customer service and a way to wisely use your money.

• Financial Methods looks into whether New Account Bank Bonuses-Worth the Trouble?.
•  eMoneyLog prepares a good reference with Checking Accounts, A Complete Reference. 

Budgets 

Some people feel restrained by a budegt, but usually that means they haven’t found a method that works for them. Be realistic with your planning and make sure you automate the tedious work  and it’ll seem so much easier.

• Free Money Finance talks about how spouses to work at the same company in This Seems Like a Bad Idea to Me.
• Savings Toolbox has some situations when When Automating Your Finances May Not Pay.
• The Happy Rock from The Happy Rock presents The Catch All Budgeting Category, What Is In Miscellaneous?, and says, “By DD @ The Happy Rock”
• BretFrohlich presents Living Large on what you Earn.

Credit Reports and Government

Your credit score is a now a big factor with lenders. Be smart and keep your score healthy. Be wise with government programs to make sure it’ll really benefit you. 

• Launch Pad Chicago looks into The $180 Free Credit Report.
•  Money Beagle looks into Thumbs Up Or Thumbs Down? Cash For Clunkers.
• Taking Charge discusses the security of embossing credit cards in  Embossed credit cards, we raised you right, but maybe it’s time to move on.

 

Debt Reduction

Reduce your liabilities is a way to build up your net worth and give you some peace of mind.

•  Wondering what it takes to get in debt and get out of debt? Moneymonk explains how.
• American Consumer News wants to make sure you Know Your Rights if You Are In Debt.

Money Questions

Smart people ask questions and financial geniuses apply the answer. 

• Blogging Banks answers When should you start saving for your emergency fund?
•  Beyond Paycheck to Paycheck tells you  When to Use Frequent Flyer Miles?
• Sound Money Matters looks into the new tax credits available and asks, Is a Tax Credit Your Motivation to Buy?
• Financial Highway talks about The Importance of Money- Money Means to an End or the End in Itself?

 

Money and Psychology

Don’t deny the fears, habits,and goals you have with money. Learn to be proactive and sucessful.

• Wealth Pilgrim writes about career planning with Should You Feel Guilty About Earning Less Money Than You Can?
•  MoneyEnergy digs in and examines More Stress, Less Money? Ways That Stress Can Cause Your Spending To Increase.
• Budgets are Sexy wonders How do you measure your own financial success? It’s about feeling good without comparing yourself to others.
• Fiscal Fizzle reviews Covey’s principles in 7 Habits of Personal Finance.
• Punch Debt In The Face points out that Sometimes the best investments return no money. Can you guess what these investments are?
• Pecuniarities has a refresging post about Remembering Why We Do What We Do.

 

Investing and Retirement

Planning ahead is a way to have more control over your future. Investing and retirement both need a cool head and a strategy. 

• Dividends Value has 3 Simple Steps For A Successful Retirement, reviewing some investing principles that could prepare you for retirement.
• Darwin’s Finance explains what are Structured Notes and claims that they ” Deliver Guaranteed Returns in any Market“.
• Dividend Growth Investor compares Dividends versus Share Buybacks/Stock repurchases.
• Deposit Accounts discusses and definesin What are Annuities?.
• Don’t Quit Your Day Job looks into IRAS and reminds you If You Don’t Have One… Get One.
• Go To Retirement gives investors information on  Asset Allocation Strategies and Online Calculators.
• Amateur Asset Allocator compares Reits Vs Rental Properties.

Saving Money

Keep more of your cash in your pocket.

   Ultimate Money Blog talks about green living and frugalitywith Sweating My Buns Off!

 InsureBlog has the latest information in HSA Update: Early Summer Edition.

Christian Finances gives you some Tips for decorating on a budget.

No Debt Plan shares his expirience with Frugal Lawn Care: Using an Electric Lawn Mower.

The Paycheck Chronicles shows you a way to see if you can afford a new car payments Want a New Car? Try This Plan.

Miss Bankrupt shares her on list on What not to buy at Dollar Store.

Misc.

Some things just don’t fit in a box. These articles have some great ideas for you to look into. 

• Searchlight Crusade looks why having a buying agent can be a smart move in Real Estate and “Priced for Perfection”.
• Funny about Money starts a new interview series in Entrepreneurs: Your Auto Network.
• Bad Money Advice warns you about Swoopo – Entertaining Yes, Shopping No.
•  Ask Mr Credit Card has some current events and finance mixed with Michael Jackson – Money Lessons From The King of Pop.
• Modern Gal talks about Career Changes: the Need for Self-Permission.
• Money and Such weigns in on the question, Should Bonuses Be Fair?
• My Life ROI gives present and future pet owners Two More Virtues of Owning a Dog.

Photo Credit: friskytuna

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